The FSC General Assembly 2008, which took place in Cape Town, South Africa, from 3 – 7 November, successfully reaffirmed that the collective efforts of the FSC network will guide the organization into an even stronger future.

The General Assembly was marked by strong commitment and engagement from FSC members, Board of Directors, supporters and staff. This brought valuable concerns and criticism into the forum of the General Assembly and a focus on solutions that led to the amendment and approval of most policy motions.

The event was also very successful in terms of participation, with almost 300 people from 65 countries and diverse interest groups. Input from the different NGOs, social movement representatives and business leaders brought the needed perspectives that will help strengthen the FSC system.

All of these stakeholders conducted lengthy discussion on several issues and eventually reached agreements on how to move forward. Key highlights of the GA were the discussions around governance, the role of National Initiatives, FSC credibility, Controlled Wood, and forests and climate change.  The FSC membership approved motions related to all these topics, which will now be included into FSC’s work plan for implementation. An initial analysis of the approved motions shows that many of them can be fully or at least partially implemented in 2009.

Maintaining credibility, securing resources and implementing GA motions are all part of FSC’s next steps. Guided by the Global Strategy and the member decisions from the General Assembly, the FSC Board of Directors and management are focused on ensuring that the FSC system continues as the leading certification system for responsibly managed forests.

FSC wishes to extend sincere thanks to all of the participants who made the FSC General Assembly 2008 a success.

GA 2008 resources at a glance

We will continue to upload documents, presentations, photos, and materials related to the FSC General Assembly 2008 as they become available.

Presentations - find presentations from the GA in pdf formats online here.

Motions - finalized motions are available online here.

Podcasts - hear the voices of the GA with Tropical Forest Trust's 'In Conversation' podcasts. Interviews from the FSC GA 2008 including FSC directors, CBs, NIs and more, online here.

Newsletters - throughout the GA, news and updates were delivered in NEPCon's CWU newsletter in special GA editions and in collaboration with FSC and FSC Denmark. Updates from Nov 3-6 are available online here, also find NEPCon's GA summary online here.

Participants - the GA brought together near 300 delegates from 65 countries. NIs, CBs, certificate holders, trade unionists (many from Africa), NGOs, members and observers all gathered in Cape Town to strengthen the FSC system. FSC was pleased to provide subsidies to 102 delegates to attend this year's GA in South Africa. Thank you to all our donors and sponsors for making this possible.

Photos - coming soon to the website!